London’s leading contemporary dance festival comes to Croydon

More than 200 women from across the capital will perform at Boxpark Croydon this weekend, when the borough hosts an exciting, free, large-scale dance performance as part of London’s leading contemporary dance festival.

This exciting new project – a performance by more than 200 women – has been devised by director and choreographer Sasha Milavic Davies, who is known for making large scale work within dance and theatre, together with composer Lucy Railton. It is a compelling celebration of female movement, in which the women reproduce the minute movements of daily life, while weaving in fragments on folk dances from throughout the world.

Dance Umbrella 2018 is held in selected venues across the capital from 26 September – 21 October. The festival came to Croydon for the first time in October 2017 and is returning this year following the success of last year’s event, Origami, held in The Queen’s Gardens.

Dance Umbrella will also hold a unique and energising dance workshop at one of Croydon’s newest civic spaces on Saturday 6 October. From 12pm – 4.30pm, visitors to College Square can join in an afternoon of dancing and celebration at this colourful new urban oasis.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dance Umbrella back to Croydon for 2018, and that this will be another exciting free event for everyone to enjoy. This is another fantastic example of Croydon’s cultural scene evolving and expanding, as we put Croydon on the map and improve access to the arts for all.”

Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport

Dance Umbrella is also working in partnership with Croydon Council and Croydon Music and Arts to deliver an 18-month programme, Access Croydon, helping more young people to get involved with contemporary dance. For more information visit www.danceumbrella.co.uk/access-croydon